When Motivation Runs Out

I used to wait until I felt motivated.

Some mornings it showed up right on time. I’d get up, get moving, and feel great. Other mornings, it didn’t show up at all, and I’d tell myself I’d start tomorrow.

What I’ve slowly learned is that motivation is a lot like the weather.

Some days it’s sunny. Some days it pours. I can’t control it. But I can decide what I do when it isn’t there.

Here are three things that help me:

1. Decide ahead of time. I set out my clothes the night before and pick a time. When the morning comes, the decision is already made. I just follow it.

   
   

2. Lower the bar. When I don’t feel like a full workout, I tell myself I’ll just put on my shoes. Most days, that’s enough to get me going. Some days it isn’t, and that’s OK too.

   
   

3. Remember the real reason. It’s not about looking a certain way. It’s about being able to keep doing the things I love, for as long as I can.

   
   

   I’m not saying I have this figured out. Some weeks motivation disappears for days. But I’ve stopped seeing that as failing. It’s just the weather. And I’m learning to keep a raincoat by the door.

   
   

What do you do when motivation runs out?

Just a guy on a journey,

Mark Salinas